Christmas Devotional Revisited 2022
December 9th
Centenary Christmas Devotional - 2009
Read Luke 1:46-56
|
|
“After service today, I need to pick up Joshua, drop off the receipts in the church office, and try to feed Joshua before he falls asleep for his nap.” These are some of the thoughts that run through my mind during the Sunday Morning Worship Music. Does this sound familiar? Your thoughts may also include plans for lunch, bills that need to be paid, homework that is due, friends to call, or shopping to get done. Currently, they may include Christmas dinner planning, gift buying, vacation plans, or projects due before Winter Break.
The verses today are part of “Mary’s Song.” This was her response to God for the incredible ways He was working in her life. On Sunday mornings, we have the same opportunity to respond to God using music. For many of us, we have to be intentional about seeking God during this time. Many years ago I read a book by Elizabeth Elliot called “Passion and Purity.” She taught an important lesson about learning to be “all there” in whatever place you are. Rather than focusing on what you could be doing, be present in what you are doing. In prayer, worship, and Bible Study, we need to train our brains to focus on God and not waste these precious moments letting the worries of the world distract us. Like Mary, we can Worship God and give Him thanks for His hand in our lives.
The verses today are part of “Mary’s Song.” This was her response to God for the incredible ways He was working in her life. On Sunday mornings, we have the same opportunity to respond to God using music. For many of us, we have to be intentional about seeking God during this time. Many years ago I read a book by Elizabeth Elliot called “Passion and Purity.” She taught an important lesson about learning to be “all there” in whatever place you are. Rather than focusing on what you could be doing, be present in what you are doing. In prayer, worship, and Bible Study, we need to train our brains to focus on God and not waste these precious moments letting the worries of the world distract us. Like Mary, we can Worship God and give Him thanks for His hand in our lives.
Suggested Prayer: Pray God will help you to focus on Him during prayer, worship, and Bible Study.
A Special Christmas Memory from Sue S.
I remember when I was about 8 years old, our family traveled to Grass Valley to spend Christmas with my Aunt, Uncle and our cousins. It was the first time I had ever been away from home on Christmas Day. I was very concerned that Santa would not be able to find me and leave my special present. Santa did find me and left my gift, but it was not the same as being at home. When we returned home, I remember telling my Mom I never wanted to be away from home for Christmas again. I just needed to be home ... to hear the Christmas Story of Jesus and the Shepherds & the Wise Men ... to be with just my family.
I remember when I was about 8 years old, our family traveled to Grass Valley to spend Christmas with my Aunt, Uncle and our cousins. It was the first time I had ever been away from home on Christmas Day. I was very concerned that Santa would not be able to find me and leave my special present. Santa did find me and left my gift, but it was not the same as being at home. When we returned home, I remember telling my Mom I never wanted to be away from home for Christmas again. I just needed to be home ... to hear the Christmas Story of Jesus and the Shepherds & the Wise Men ... to be with just my family.
